Male Lab and Female Lab

Question
Hi

We have a labrador called Lilly who is 14months who suffers with anxiety separation and we decided that she needs a playmate so we set off to find one.

We have now welcomed a 7 year lab called Deon into our home.  He is a lovely boy but seems a bit unsure of Lilly (who keeps jumping all over him) and keeps barking at her.  I am taking Lilly away from these situations before they get bad as she needs to learn some respect.

He is not hurting her at all but i am afraid it could turn into worse agression and my kids get very upset when they see it.  Also if we put the two bowls of food down he goes straight to the one Lilly is eating from and then growls at her and she backs off, he also does it when she approached him with a bone or toy in his mouth.  Will this stop in time or do we need to do something to stop this.

Could this be just a settling in period!!!
Regards
Natalie

Answer
Once past 3 years old, many dogs don't want anything to do with puppies, their sharp little teeth, and their biting games.  You need to teach the puppy to leave the older dog alone.  As soon as the puppy starts to focus on the older dog, give it a sharp ''Ah, ah, ah!'' and offer it a chew toy.

You need to take a firm stand on the food guarding.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

Sit the dogs.  Don't put the bowls down until their butts are on the floor.  If either stands up, pull them back up.  Put the bowls down on either side of you with his closer to him.  If he starts to her bowl, give him a ''Bad dog!'', pulling him back from it if you have to.  Stand there until they are finished, making sure they only eat their own food.